Disinfectant material comprising copper iodide

ABSTRACT

An article of manufacture includes a liquid tight container that holds a disinfecting material. A disinfecting material includes a liquid gel material. The disinfecting material is dispensable from the container through a manual dispenser. The material is usable to apply a antimicrobial coating on surfaces, including the external surfaces of mammals such as human skin.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a disinfectant material, which may beclassified in U.S. Class 514 subclasses: 1, 724 and 772.3; and IPCA61K9/0014 and A61K9/06. Exemplary embodiments relate to a handsanitizer that may be used to kill bacteria, viruses, mold and fungalcontaminants while minimizing toxic risks to humans.

BACKGROUND

Microbial life is abundant, tenacious, and often difficult to control.Organisms including bacteria and mold are often characterized by anability to easily spread, rapidly reproduce, and thrive under conditionsthat can destroy higher life forms. Since some of these organisms causehuman diseases, the exclusion or destruction of these organisms isimportant to prevent or block the spread of disease.

In addition to the problem of normal infections, the world is faced witha rapidly growing problem of “superbugs” or bacteria that have developeda resistance to one or more antibiotics or disinfectants. Many of theseresistant microbes are acquired and spread in hospitals, oddices orother places were numerous people are often present. Commonly usedsterilizing agents can include formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, whichare cancer causing, thus potentially placing people at risk. Theseagents may be highly reactive toward organic materials in general, andeven some inorganic materials causing corrosion and erosion, and mayalso be toxic. Sometimes for surface treatment, such materials areapplied to surfaces in different ways, which can sometimes cause thedisinfectant material to be in contact with materials and animals whichmay potentially be undesirable.

Disinfectants and their use may benefit from improvements.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment includes an article of manufacture. The articleincludes a liquid tight container that holds material which carries adisinfectant with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.The exemplary material is effective for killing pathogens, and more, onnumerous types of surfaces, including pathogens that may be present onhuman skin or the skin of other mammals. The article of manufactureincludes a manually actuable dispenser such as a pump or a spout.

In an exemplary embodiment the material comprises a gel that includes acopper halogen, such as marshite (copper iodide). The material includesmarshite mixed with a surfactant which facilitates cohesion to surfacesthat are contacted with the material. The exemplary material alsoincludes a pH stabilizer, a preservative and a humectants, among otherconstituents.

Exemplary embodiments of materials described herein have numerousbeneficial properties and uses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-section view of an exemplary wipe dispensing containerwherein the wipes are obtained from the top of a wipe container.

FIG. 2 is a view of an exemplary wipe holding container wherein thewipes are stacked in a wipe container.

FIG. 3 is a view of an exemplary manually actuable atomizing sprayer inwhich a solution can be dispersed from the interior area.

FIG. 4 is a view of a generally liquid tight container having a manuallyactuable pump mechanism designed to dispense a material from inside thecontainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment includes a cloth such as a non-woven cloth and asolution. The solution is in wetted relation with the cloth. The clothand solution comprise a wipe that can be moved in contact with a surfaceto cause a layer of the solution to be applied on the surface. Theexemplary solution is operative to kill bacterial and fungal organisms.

Exemplary wipes may be held in and dispensed from liquid tight wipecontainers. Two exemplary wipe containers are shown and described inFIGS. 1 and 2.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary article ofmanufacture including a wipe holding container, as shown in crosssection.

The exemplary wipe holding container includes a liquid tight cylindricalcanister 2. The canister is closed at one end by a closed base 4. Thecanister is closed at an opposed end from the base by top 5. The topincludes a resealable cap or lid 6.

The exemplary canister may be constructed of a plastic material, such asthermoformed material or blow-molded material, a carton material such asa lined paperboard, or a metalized or laminate structure, such asmetalized or laminate film.

The exemplary wipe holding container includes an interior area 8. Area 8houses a roll 10 of wipes. The wipe material of the roll is perforatedwith the perforations 12 set in a direction transverse to the length ofthe material web so that individual wipes 14 can be readily separatedfrom the roll. The sheet-like fabric material of the exemplaryembodiment is generally a nonwoven non-absorbent cloth material. Theroll 10 of wipes is made such that it holds or is otherwise in wettedcontact with the exemplary solution.

As shown in FIG. 1, the container holds the roll of moist wipes 10 ingenerally air tight relation when the cap 6 is closed. The top 5 isprovided with an outlet opening 13 through which the moist wipes 14 arewithdrawn. The outlet opening 13 can be selectively covered by the capso the wipes remain wetted with the solution and do not dry out duringstorage.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an alternative exemplary wipe holding container40 is shown. Container 40 includes a storing body 44 in which the wipes42 are stored. The storing body 44 is provided with an outlet opening 46through which the wipes 42 may be withdrawn. The outlet opening 46 iscovered with an opening- and closing-cover label 48 detachably (orpeelably) attached to the storing body 44.

In the alternative exemplary wipe dispensing container 40 according tothis embodiment, the storing body 44 has a generally rectangular bodyformed from a generally square sleeve-like packing material with opposedends. The outlet opening 46 is formed in a surface 50 of the packingmaterial. Opposing side edge portions 52 of surface 50, and opposingside edge portions 54, are rigidly reinforced so that they exhibitself-supporting properties. The surfaces 50 and 54 are sealed at theopposed ends. Both sealed opposite ends 56, are fixed so that the onesurface 50 forms two opposing end faces 56 (only one is shown) of thegenerally rectangular body.

The exemplary wipes 42 are comprised of non-woven fabric which is inwetted contact with an exemplary solution. The wipes 42 are stacked inan interleaved array and stored in the storing body 44 so that they canbe withdrawn in a pop-up manner.

Other exemplary embodiments may include an article of manufacture whichincludes a wipe article held individually in a liquid tight containersuch as a flexible envelope. Such an envelope may hold the cloth wettedwith the solution in an interior area thereof. The envelope may beinitially sealed with the wipe therein to avoid the evaporation ofconstituents of the solution and to prevent contamination.

The envelope type container may be opened and the wipe removed from theinterior area. The wipe may then be used to contact and transfer to asurface to be disinfected, the solution carried on the cloth. Inexemplary arrangements the solution acts to kill bacterial, fungal andvirus organisms on the surface. The exemplary deposited solution driesto leave a film on the surface which operates to provide continuingdisinfecting properties in the manner hereinafter described.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary liquid tight container 58 isshown. The container bounds an interior area 60. At the top of theliquid tight container 58 there is a threaded neck 62. There is also athreaded coupling 64 attached to a dispensing element 66. The dispensingelement is operative to dispense a solution via a pump member 68 havingan operating handle 70 and an atomizer 72. The interior 60 of thecontainer 58 contains liquid solution which has a liquid level 74. Afluid inlet 76 in the interior area 60 is connected to the dispensingelement 66. The solution or material may be drawn through the fluidinlet 76 by squeezing the operating handle 70, causing the pump memberto cause the solution or material to pass out of the atomizer 72 anddirected onto a surface desired to be treated. It will be understoodthat the dispensing element 66 is purely exemplary, and in otherembodiments other types of dispensing means may be used, depending uponcontemplated use of the device including being selectively directable.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative exemplary generally liquid tightcontainer 78 is shown. The container bounds an interior area 80. Insidethe interior area there is a liquid gel material 82 which comprises ahand sanitizer and which has a level 84. Also inside the interior areathere is a conduit having a fluid inlet 86. A manually actuable pumpmechanism 88 extends on the outside of the liquid tight container. Themanually actuable pump mechanism 88 is operative when actuated, to movematerial from the internal fluid inlet 86 to a fluid outlet 90 outsidethe interior area. It will be understood that the described embodimentis purely exemplary, and in other embodiments other dispensing means maybe used, depending upon contemplated use of the device.

Of course the approaches described for producing and using thesearticles of manufacture in the form of disinfecting wipes, solutions,gels and their containers are exemplary, and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used. For purposes hereof the terms solution andmaterial providing disinfecting properties associated with such articlesof manufacture are used interchangeably.

The exemplary solution used includes a halogen copper salt, and inparticular copper iodide. Copper is useful because it kills fungalinfections, bacteria, molds, and viruses including antibiotic resistantstrains. The exemplary solution is operative to kill both enveloped andnon-enveloped types of viruses as well as gram positive and gramnegative bacteria. Copper kills all known types of harmful bacteria andit is believed that bacteria have been unable to develop any immunity tocopper.

The strong antiviral activities of copper and copper oxide are oftenenhanced at the nanoscale level (typically, particles having sizes lessthan 100 nanometers; such particles are also often referred to as “nanosized”).

Exemplary embodiments of the solution used in exemplary embodimentsinclude halogen copper salts, which are stable in air and in water. Suchhalogen copper salts may have enhancedantibacterial/antiviral/antifungi/antimold activity not only because ofa presence of copper ions, but also a presence of halogen ions. Herein,the terms “copper halide”, “halogen copper salt” and “halogen copper”refer to a compound of copper with one of the halogen elements(“halogens”): fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), andastatine (At), plus the artificially created element 117 (ununseptium).

Copper ions, in particular the monovalent specie Cu⁺, or cuprous, areable to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and molds due to their oxidationfrom Cu⁺ to the divalent specie Cu⁺⁺ (also referred to as Cu²⁺ orcupric) and the associated generation of hydrogen peroxide in thepresence of atmospheric oxygen and humidity. When this reaction occurs,the Cu⁺ ion reacts with hydrogen peroxide, which oxidizes Cu⁺ to Cu⁺⁺producing a strong hydroxyl radical (i.e., resulting in strong(effective) oxidation power), which radical although unstable, isresponsible for the bioactivity. The bioactivity referred to hereinrefers to the radical oxidizing biological matter (e.g., live organisms)to kill such organisms.

Generally, monovalent copper (Cu⁺) in an aqueous solution tends to beconverted to metallic copper, or Cu++, by a disproportionate reaction.Cu⁺ in aqueous solution may behave as a catalyst in a Fenton-likereaction. As a result of the oxidation of Cu⁺ to Cu++, the solutiongenerates hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂):2Cu⁺+2O₂→2Cu⁺⁺+2O₂ ⁻2O₂ ⁻+2H⁺→H₂O₂+O₂

The hydrogen peroxide so formed then goes through a Fenton-like reactionleading to the generation of a hydroxyl radical OH. Hydroxyl radicalsare highly reactive and, consequently, short lived. However, they forman important part of radical chemistry. The reaction is:Cu⁺+H₂O₂→Cu⁺⁺+OH⁻+.OH

In the case that Cu⁺⁺ ions are returned to Cu⁺ showing that H₂O₂ iscatalytically decomposing to achieve hydroxyl radicals.

These reactions occur with marshite, or CuI, but are not unique thereto.Other Cu⁺ halogen salts (e.g., CuCl, CuBr, etc.) may also be effectivesince each will deliver Cu⁺. The halogen ion may also help the activityof Cu⁺. In the specific case of CuI, for example, the iodide ion (I⁻) isinvolved as explained below (the equations where X represents ahalogen). In other exemplary embodiments of a copper basedantibacterial/antiviral/antifungi/antimold agent, the copper halogensalts also produce a halogen ion (X⁻). As a result, the followingreaction occurs:4X⁻+2Cu⁺⁺→X₂+2CuX

In addition to having the molecular halogen in solution (for example,I₂), Cu⁺⁺ is returned to Cu⁺, which will again participate in all thereactions previously disclosed.

Bacteria use an enzyme as a form of a “chemical lung” in order tometabolize oxygen. Due to the foregoing copper ion reactions, the stronghydroxyl radical destroys the “chemical lung” of the bacteria bystopping the take-up of oxygen. This effectively suffocates the bacteriain a matter of minutes, leaving surrounding tissue or materialunaffected.

Fungi also survive by means of such a “chemical lung” much likebacteria. As a result, exemplary embodiments are also effective againstfungi. Furthermore, exemplary embodiments are also effective againstother molds.

A live virus will often take over another living cell and reprogram thenucleus of the cell to replicate the virus rather than the healthy cell.In this process, the cell reverses to a more primitive form that reliesupon an oxygen metabolizing enzyme as a “chemical lung.” This is similarto the bacteria case. Again, the copper ions stop oxygen from beingbrought into a virus producing cell, and the cell dies by “suffocation”(oxygen deprivation).

In some exemplary arrangements the solution includes a non-ionicsurfactant. The interaction between a non-ionic surfactant and marshiteparticles is such that a non-polar alkyl tail of the surfactant isattracted to the hydrophobic surface of the copper iodide particles.When such solution is applied to a surface, some of these tails can havean orientation perpendicular to the marshite particle and some can belying down on the surface. However, the anionic head of the surfactantwill be attracted toward water, interacting with an aqueous environmentthrough hydrogen bonding with the oxygen group.

In some exemplary arrangements the solution includes anionicsurfactants. The molecular structure of anionic, or negatively charged,surfactants is one in which a negatively charged head group is bound toan inert, hydrophobic tail. When the solution is applied to a surfaceand the surface to be disinfected is positively charged, the surfactantsin a CuI/water and isopropyl alcohol solution can form a nanofilm layeror bilayer in the presence of a polar solvent like water. This nanofilmlayer or bilayer is a layer of copper ions surrounding water andsurfactants. This layer or bilayer will form when the surfactant'sconcentration is close to or greater than the critical micelleconcentration of the surfactant, which is approximately 0.3 g/L in thecase of a water and isopropyl alcohol solution.

When a solution including a suspension of CuI in a water and isopropylalcohol solution is applied to a surface and then excess is wiped off orthe solvent mixture evaporates, the nanofilm layer or bilayer collapsescausing the surfactants to be scattered on the surface. The negativehead group attaches to the surface and the inert surfactant tail israndomly directed with respect to the surface.

On neutral surfaces like laminate, plastic, etc., due to the fact thatthere is no overall attraction between the surfactants and the surface,the surfactant is scattered on the surface, positioning sometimes withthe tail on the surface, sometimes with the polar head toward thesurface.

Finally, if the surface is negatively charged, the head group will berepulsed electro-statically from the surface and the tail will anchorthe surfactants to the surface.

In an exemplary embodiment where a solution is made containing 0.1-0.5%surfactant in the solution by volume, the surfactant may contain bothanionic and nonionic surfactants. The selection of a surfactant orcombination of surfactants may be determined based on the desiredformulation properties such as foaming ability, foaming retention,foaming stabilization, formulation stability, cleaning capabilities, andmicelle stabilization.

Anionic surfactants are those with a negatively charged head and neutral(typically alkyl chain) tail. The negative charge of the head group isbalanced by the presence of a cationic moiety. Examples of anionicsurfactant groups usable in exemplary solutions include but are notlimited to: phosphate esters, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, alpha olefinsulfonate, octane sulfonate, ethylhexyl sulfate, lauryl sulfate, laurethsulfate, and gluconate. Examples of cationic moieties that can becombined with anionic groups in exemplary solutions include but are notlimited to: sodium, potassium, magnesium, ammonium and alkyl ammonium.Many types of anionic surfactants are commercially available and arebest known for reduction of water surface tension and high foamingcapacity.

Nonionic surfactants are those which carry no charge, however they stillhave a polar head and nonpolar tail. Examples of nonionic surfactantsusable in exemplary solvents include but are not limited to: alkylpolysaccharides, sorbitan esters, polyethyleneoxy (PEO) sorbitan esters,PEO fatty acid esters, PEO fatty acids, PEO fatty alcohols, PEOsynthetic alcohols, block copolymers of PEO and polypropyleneoxy (PPO)groups (PEO/PPO), alcohol ethoxylates, nonylphenolethoxylates, alkylglucosides, and amide ethoxylates. Many types of nonionic surfactantsare commercially available and typically function as foaming agents withfoam stabilization properties.

An exemplary embodiment of the solution includes a pH stabilizer. A pHstabilizer will allow the pH of the solution to be maintained over ashelf life. Additionally, the pH stabilizer may adjust the solubility ofother ingredients. The pH stabilizer will vary based on the solvents andsurfactants used in the solution. The pH stabilizer will also vary basedon the amount of copper iodide desired to be in solution. However, awide variety of pH stabilizers may be used. In an exemplary embodiment,the pH stabilizer may have a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.3%of the solution by volume. Examples of pH stabilizers that may be usedin exemplary solutions include but are not limited to: citric acid,acetic acid, phosphoric acid, benzoic acid, ascorbic acid, sodiumhydroxide, triethanolamine, glycolic acid, and ammonium hydroxide ormixtures thereof.

An exemplary embodiment of the solution includes a preservative. Thepreservative will allow the efficacy of the solution to be maintainedover a shelf life. However, a wide variety of preservatives may be used.In exemplary embodiments, the preservative may have a concentration in arange of about 0.5-5% of the solution by volume. Examples ofpreservatives usable in exemplary solutions include but are not limitedto: sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, polyaminopropylbiguanide, quaternaryammonium compounds, EDTA salts, EDTA fatty acid conjugates, alkanolsespecially ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, parabens,sorbates, urea derivatives, and isothiazolinone, or mixtures thereof.

An exemplary embodiment of the solution includes a rheology agent, oradditive. Rheology additives are used primarily to optimize the flowbehavior in a particular application. This improves the processabilityand storage stability without settling, and enables a thickerapplication of layers. In exemplary embodiments the rheology additivemay have a concentration of about 0.5-5% by volume in the solution asnecessary to provide the desired properties. Examples of rheology agentsinclude BYK-410 and BYK-D420 (both supplied by BYK ChemicalsWallingford, Conn., USA).

An exemplary embodiment of the solution includes a chelating agent.Chelating agents are ingredients that bind with metal ions or metalliccompounds, preventing contamination or discoloration of the solution.Examples may include disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, tetrasodiumglutamate diacetate, sodium citrate, sodium gluconate and sodium phytateor mixtures thereof.

An exemplary embodiment of a solution or a material used as a handsanitizer or for another use in which skin contact will generally occur,includes humectants. Humectants (or moisturizers) allow a way to preventloss of moisture thereby retaining the skin's natural moisture. Somecompounds also have the ability to actively attract moisture. Examplesmay include propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and butylene glycol,glyceryl triacetate, neoagarobiose, sugar alcohols (sugar polyols) suchas glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, polymeric polyols such aspolydextrose, quillai, urea, Aloe vera gel, MP diol, Alpha hydroxy acidssuch as lactic acid, and lithium chloride or mixtures thereof.

The exemplary solutions are intended to be environmentally friendly andsafer than currently used disinfectant solutions. In exemplarysolutions, the size of the marshite particles for suitable antiviralactivity, safety and cost may be in a range between 300 nanometer and4,000 nanometer in diameter. Furthermore, with some exemplaryembodiments the total amount of copper ions potentially entering theenvironment from the application of the solution is restricted by usinga copper salt with limited solubility in water or the other carriersolution—thus limiting the probability of excess copper ions leachingout or solubilizing directly into the environment.

Exemplary embodiments comprise a solution including marshite particlesbetween 50 nanometer and 5,000 nanometers. When the size is decreased,only a small change in the percentage of surface molecules exists.However, due to nanoparticle safety concerns, the Federal Government andmany other institutions have indicated concerns about particles havingthe diameter smaller than 300 nanometers. Therefore, in some exemplaryembodiments of the solution CuI particles are selected to be in the sizerange larger than 300 nanometers to reduce these concerns.

By calculations and experimental results it has been determined thatwith 20 mg/L of marshite in an exemplary liquid test solution, theaverage distance between two particles of marshite is approximately 3microns in the liquid solution and after applied to a surface in the dryfilm it is approximately 1 micrometer. The low concentration of 20 mg/Lof active marshite in this exemplary embodiment is useful for keepingthe environment green and safe. The size of H1N1 influenza virus isapproximately between 100 and 125 nanometers. Thus in such exemplarysolutions, once applied the probability of the virus coming into contactwith the lethal marshite particles is high. However, this is merely oneembodiment and other exemplary embodiments provide for a copper salt oflimited solubility in an exemplary solution. This limited solubilityresolves the risk of copper leaching into the environment.

In an exemplary embodiment of the solution, the copper iodide may makeup about 0.005-5% of the total solution. However, this is limited by thesolubility of the copper salt in the solution. It is possible to extendthis range to up to 30% of the solution, however the concentration ofthe copper iodide actually in the solution as a result of the solubilitywill generally be in the range indicated.

In an exemplary wipe embodiment with a cloth that comprises a non-wovencloth, the solution is in wetted contact with the non-woven cloth, andthe non-woven cloth is generally non-absorbent with respect to thesolution. Generally non-absorbent nature of the non-woven cloth refersto the solution as a whole being less than 10% being absorbed into thecloth. Of course in other embodiments, other cloth types may be used.The cloth is such that in wiping the cloth against a surface, thesolution will be deposited on the surface.

In some exemplary embodiments a fragrance is included in the solution.The fragrance may include any conventional fragrance that does notadversely affect a human. The fragrance in exemplary embodiments mayhave a concentration of about 0.1-2% by volume of the solution asnecessary to provide the desired odor properties. Fragrances may be madefrom essential oils and isolates derived from botanical ingredients suchas: flowers, fruits, sap, seeds or skin of the plant, as well as thebark, leaves, roots, resins or wood of certain trees. Fragrances mayalso be parabens, phthalates or synthetic musks.

In some exemplary embodiments, polyphenylsilsesquioxane, or PPSQ, isincluded in the solution. Polyphenylsilsesquioxane helps secure theattachment of the copper iodide to surfaces. Polyphenylsilsesquioxanealso may limit the amount of copper ions exposed to the environment. Inan exemplary embodiment PPSQ may have a concentration of about 0.1-50%by volume.

In some exemplary embodiments, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, or MMB isincluded in the solution. In exemplary embodiments with MMB, afterdrying, a powerful, antimicrobial coating may be formed on a surface.This antimicrobial coating can be sprayed or coated in many ways on manydifferent surfaces. In exemplary embodiments the solution may dry veryquickly due to the presence of MMB. In another exemplary embodiment, theantimicrobial coating will strongly adhere to a coated surface after MMBevaporation due to the presence of PPSQ. In an exemplary embodiment itis possible to deliver a very powerful transparent coating on any typeof surface, including painted surfaces, with no cosmetic alterations. Inan exemplary embodiment, the concentration of MMB may be any amount upto 99.9%

In some exemplary embodiments, carbomers are added to a material.Carbomers are polymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with an unsaturatedpolyfunctional agent such as a polyallyl ether of sucrose. These carboxyvinyl polymers have the CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and FragranceAssociation) adopted name of carbomer molecules, converting the acidiccarbomer salt. Carbomer thickening agents are commercially availableunder the trade names Carbopol® 934, 940, 941, 951, ETD 2020, ETD 2010,ETD 2001, and Ultrez™ from Lubrizol of Wickliffe, Ohio. Other thickeningpolymers and gums may be used according to their compatibility with thehydroalcoholic system. Examples of other suitable gelling agents includecellulosic ether polymers sold by Dow Chemical as Methocel® andhydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropyl cellulose gums sold underthe mark Aqualon®.

In an exemplary embodiment, a base is used to convert the carbomer.Sodium hydroxide and Potassium hydroxide are only recommended forhydroalcoholic systems comprising up to about 20% and about 30%,respectively, alcohol. Likewise, sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine,monoethanolamine, and dimethyl stearylamine are not compatible asneutralizing agents because they do not adequately form a gel ofdesirable viscosity in a 60% ethanol composition. Other potential basesare tria amino, amino methu propanol, neutrol TE, diisopropanolamine,triisopropanolamine, Ethomeen C-25 or mixtures thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, ethanol or other alcohols may be added tothe material. This may be done in order to reduce the viscosity of thematerial to a more desirable level.

An exemplary embodiment provides for a spray of a solution to bedistributed on a surface to be disinfected. The surface may then be leftto air dry, or wiped up with an absorbent towel or cloth. This leaves asolution film on the surface.

Another exemplary embodiment enables a wipe to contact a surface. Thewipe is removed from a fluid tight container, and rubbed against asurface to be disinfected. The wipe leaves a film of the solution on thesurface.

An alternative embodiment enables a solution to be incorporated into apaint or other surface coating. This paint may then be applied to wallsor surfaces desired to be rid of microbes for an extended period oftime.

An alternative embodiment enables dispensing a material that can beapplied directly to skin of humans or other mammals. For example, thematerial can be a hand sanitizer or other sanitizer that may bedispensed from a liquid tight container and placed on the hands of ahuman and/or applied to areas of the human or animal body.

Fibrous materials utilized in products such as textiles, carpets, filtermaterials, etc. may also benefit from being rid of viruses, bacteria,undesirable organic molecules or volatile organic compounds. Materialsincluding marshite may be used in combination with other ingredients inorder to achieve this result. Marshite is not a highly hygroscopicmolecule; therefore, its efficacy as a catalyst is limited by theduration of moisture retention while it is in contact with theundesirable organic molecules (UOMs) that are to be oxidized. This meansthat the desired properties of marshite are not consistent givenvariations in humidity as well as the reservoir of moisture that may beavailable in the substrate to which the material is applied. Without thepresence of moisture, oxygen, and a catalyst for an adequate duration oftime, the marshite may be ineffective. Furthermore, in alternativeembodiments it is desirable that copper iodide particles be attached tothe fibers for an extended period, not only due to the catalyticactivity of marshite, but also because the particles are physicallyattached to the fibers. By allowing moisture and oxygen to be present,the copper iodide will react with the UOMs.

Similarly, in some situations it can be difficult keeping the UOMs incontact with the marshite catalyst of oxidation long enough to ensureUOM destruction. Especially when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) areconsidered, in some situations there may not be enough time for themarshite to destroy the VOC, before the VOC adversely effects theenvironment or organisms within the environment.

Volatile organic compounds are problematic, especially as materialsusing solvents, plasticizers and other volatile chemicals are introducedinto living or working environments. Compounding this issue, manybuildings are virtually airtight; allowing VOCs to build up in theenvironment and in the people who spend time in them.

Systems have been designed to destroy VOCs using reactors. Some reactorsutilize large beds of materials and energy input such as UV light orgenerated ozone to destroy VOCs. These can be problematic as residualozone can be emitted into the areas occupied by people, leading toirritation of sinuses and many other problems associated with inhaledoxidizers. These systems often only treat some of the VOC burden in theair, as the concentrations of oxidizer are not high enough to achieve100% destruction.

Some systems for VOC reduction are simply absorptive, such as carbon orzeolite. These systems decline in their efficiency to capture VOC overtime, eventually leading to an ineffective system with a poorperformance, unless VOC concentrations are monitored and the absorptionmedium replaced or replenished. Because VOC contamination is oftenheterogeneous, monitoring the effectiveness of absorptive filtration isproblematic. Monitors most often detect specific compounds, meaning thatto get a true detection across a wide range of hazardous VOCs canrequire sophisticated systems of detection. A combination of absorptiveand oxidizing systems offer a synergy of functions that can lead to amuch more complete capture and destruction of VOCs than either systemalone. In addition, the use of an absorptive system means that much lessenergetic means of VOC destruction can be employed because the VOCs canbe attacked over longer periods of time.

The catalysts of oxidation currently employed in some VOC reductionsystems are usually disposed on solid substrates. These substrates canbe textured to provide a large surface area, but to give the appropriateamount of surface area and contact time between the VOC and the solidsubstrate requires large reactors and can cause problems with resistanceto air flow.

A system that retains the VOCs on the surface where the oxidation iscatalyzed can utilize less energetic mechanisms than active systemsusing UV or ozone. This means a cleaner system that does not emitoxidizers into the environment and more complete oxidation ofcontaminants, since incomplete oxidation of VOCs can often create morehazardous compounds than no oxidation at all. In some exemplary systems,molecular oxygen can be used as the oxidizing agent and immobile,low-toxicity copper ions can be used as a catalyst. If the VOC's arecaptured by affinity to the solid substrate, then the problem ofrestriction in air flow can be avoided by using a simple coating on afilter or with a layer of material on the inside surfaces of an air ductsystem.

An alternative embodiment includes a system in which an air duct coatingis operative to inhibit the growth of microbes. Because surfaces insideair ducts are treated in a way that captures VOCs, the system has a muchmore functional role than simply preventing the growth of microbes onthe surface of ventilation systems or reducing the growth of microbes ona filter. A system can be properly proportioned such that even at themaximum level of dust caking, the removal of VOCs will be adequate todecontaminate air in an average home or other generally closedstructure.

An alternative embodiment may be used in a commercial or industrialsetting. An air duct system can be properly proportioned such that evenat the maximum level of dust caking, the removal of VOCs will beadequate to decontaminate air within an area in a commercial building orindustrial setting.

An alternative embodiment may be used in confined structures or areasused in modes of transportation such as planes, trains, automobiles,busses, subway systems, light rail, ferries, or taxis. A system of airpurifying can be properly proportioned such that even at the maximumlevel of dust caking, the removal of VOCs will be adequate todecontaminate air in a confined area associated with a mode oftransportation.

An alternative embodiment includes an antiviral/antibacterial materialwhich will also be effective against organic residues on the fibers,thereby achieving a multifunctional agent that destroys pollutants aswell as biological materials.

When organic compounds are suspended in a flowing liquid, the compoundsmay pass over a bed of marshite particles without enough time to react.This may mean a stain or other pollutant ends up disposed on a surfacewhere its effect or appearance is undesirable, in spite of theeffectiveness of marshite in destroying or precipitating the waterborneor other liquid borne pollutant if it were to remain with the marshiteparticles.

An alternative embodiment allows for an increase in the duration ofmoisture and organic compound retention in contact with the marshitematerial so that such material can have an adequate set of conditions(mainly moisture) and enough duration of contact with the organiccompound to substantially destroy it. An alternative embodiment providesfor a solution with a balance of moisture retention, surface area,trapping and catalysis on surfaces, all while being lower cost than anequivalent functioning pure marshite particle bed.

An alternative embodiment includes a water based solution containingwater, a surfactant, and 300-500 micrometer copper iodide particles. Therole of the surfactant in this case is to create a complex molecularinteraction between the copper iodide particles and water molecules. Insuch an embodiment, the copper iodide particles are surrounded by watermolecules, which enable their catalytic activity.

With respect to attaching the marshite particles to fibers, analternative exemplary embodiment includes a percentage ofpolyphenylsilsesquioxane that secures the attachment of the copperiodide particles to such fibers.

In order to have a water reservoir to facilitate marshite reactivity,multiple compounds may be used. For example, zeolite has an excellentmix of desirable properties containing many pores with different sizes,water holding capacity, surface area for gas adsorption and structuresthat may house CuI particles in the desired size range for slow release.Other materials that may be useful are synthetic and natural polymers,activated carbon, clay and pearlite, vermiculite as well as othersuitable materials. These materials may be mixed and adsorbed with CuIin the suitable proportions to create cost effective, highest efficacyproducts for the catalytic application they are designed to perform.

In an alternative embodiment, copper iodide may be incorporated with ahygroscopic compound. The association of copper iodide and hygroscopicagents will hold moisture and allow the catalytic effect of copperiodide to occur at the interface of the moist surface and atmosphere. Inan alternative embodiment the hygroscopic compound may be silica gel,zeolite and clay. Additionally, these hygroscopic compounds may beadmixed with CuI to enhance oxidative catalytic properties throughlonger hydration times and rapid uptake of moisture.

In an alternative embodiment, in addition to the retention of moisture,chemically reactive or chemically retaining compounds may be employed inorder to capture odors or staining chemistries, allowing longer contacttime for more complete destruction. For example, activated carbonprovides a chemically absorbing scaffold and many internal channels thatlead to dead ends within the structure described as “the tortuous path”.The high surface area and porosity of these substrates make themexcellent absorbers of chemicals, but they are eventually saturated withchemicals and this saturation reduces their effectiveness over time.Zeolites offer many of the same properties as activated carbon, and canincrease the residence time of the volatile gasses and stainingmolecules within them, allowing the copper iodide to work moreeffectively and at lower concentrations than if it was applied alone.

In an alternative embodiment, copper iodide is applied to a substratethat both adsorbs water and undesirable volatile chemicals which allowsa very low loading of copper iodide to have a long-lasting effect.Zeolites and activated carbon utilized alone may have a short lifetimeof effectiveness after they are saturated, but copper iodide offers amechanism for destroying these adsorbed compounds. Therefore, if copperiodide's catalytic oxidation is balanced with the rate of loading ofundesirable compounds into the adsorbent material, then the lifetime ofthe product is increased dramatically over any single-constituentsolution.

When a product like zeolite or activated carbon is saturated with asolution of dissolved copper iodide, then dried in repeated cycles,there is an accumulation of copper iodide crystals on the inner surfacesas well as small particles trapped within their large pores. Thiscombination of readily dissolved crystals and slowly dissolvingparticles provides quick activation of the copper iodide upon wettingfollowed by a sustained release of copper iodide from the copper iodideparticles.

Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, zeolite bound to copperiodide particles will filter colored (or staining) particles from waterbetter than either zeolite or copper iodide alone, due to the reductionreaction occurring that precipitates molecules from the solution. Aftera period of time where drying of the zeolite occurs in air, theoxidation of the stain leads to a renewed absorptivity of zeolite thatwould not occur in zeolite which does not contain copper iodide.

An alternative embodiment may be used for cleaning, including difficultcleaning applications such as cleaning red wine stains on a carpet. Thered color of the wine comes from anthocyan pigments (also calledanthocyanins) that are present in the skin of the grape. Generally it isvery difficult to clean red wine stains on carpets or other textiles. Analternative embodiment of provides for cleaning red wine stains on acarpet using a water based solution, containing surfactants and 100 mg/Lcopper iodide. The antiviral/antibacterial activity of CuI is achievedthrough a series of reactions of the transformation from Cu⁺ to Cu⁺⁺ andvice versa happening in an aqueous solution as described above. In thesereactions there is the presence of H₂O₂. More importantly the cyaninfamily of chemicals including the three variants of the chemicalstructures, whereby a nitrogen atom replaces a carbon atom and as aresult the carbon atom is not fully saturated chemically, creates apositive charge around nitrogen substitute. Due to this nitrogen chargedsubstitute in cyanin chemical structures, the red color of the wine istransferred to a colorless material.

This type of reaction will occur when dyes have a similar formula as thecyanin or they include a replacement of carbon in a carbon hydrogenchain with nitrogen.

An alternative embodiment is also useful for treating a fungus infectioncalled Candidiasis or Candida Albicans with a water based solutioncontaining a surfactant and copper iodide solution. It should bementioned that this utility is not limited to just Candidiasis orCandida Albicans, as the alternative embodiment is effective forantiviral/antifungal/antibacterial eradication and also for treatment offungus type of diseases (such as skin diseases) in animals and even inhumans.

EXAMPLES

Exemplary embodiments of a disinfectant material utilizing theprincipals described herein are further illustrated by the followingexamples, which are set forth to illustrate the presently disclosedsubject matter and are not to be construed as limiting.

Example 1 Preparation of a Water Based Solution

Combine 95% deionized water with 5% isopropyl alcohol, 5-500 mg/L ofCopper Iodide particles from 300-4000 nm in size and enough surfactantto allow the surfactant's concentration is close to or greater than thecritical micelle concentration of the surfactant, which in the case ofthe water and isopropyl alcohol mixture is around 0.3 g/L.

An exemplary wipe as described above may be wetted so as to contain thiswater based solution. The wipe may be made of a non-woven cloth that isgenerally non-absorbent with respect to the solution. The solution mayfurther include a pH stabilizer, a preservative, a rheology additive,fragrance, a chelating agent, or polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.

An exemplary embodiment of the wipe may have a solution with thefollowing approximate concentrations of the total solution by volume:

solvent(s): 25-99%,

surfactant(s): 0.1-0.5%,

pH stabilizer: 0.1-0.3%,

preservative: 0.5-5%,

copper iodide 0.005-5%,

rheology additive: 0.5-5%,

fragrance: 0.1-2%,

chelating agent: 0.02-0.3%,

polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane: 1-50%.

Alternatively, an exemplary spray disinfectant may be comprised of thiswater based solution. The solution may further include a pH stabilizer,a preservative, a rheology additive, fragrance, a chelating agent, orpolyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.

Alternatively, a liquid gel material used in contact with surfacesincluding the skin of humans or other living animals may be comprised ofthis water based solution. The material may further include a pHstabilizer, a preservative, a carbomer polymer, a base, a rheologyadditive, fragrance, a chelating agent, humectants, orpolyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.

An exemplary embodiment of such gel material may have a solution withthe following approximate concentrations of the total solution byvolume:

solvent(s): 25-99%,

surfactant(s): 0.1-0.5%,

pH stabilizer: 0.1-0.3%,

preservative: 0.5-5%,

copper iodide 0.005-5%,

rheology additive: 0.5-5%,

fragrance: 0.1-2%,

chelating agent: 0.02-0.3%,

polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane: 1-50%,

humectants: 0.1-5%.

Example 2 Preparation of an Alcohol Based Solution

Combine 50-99% MMB (3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol), 1-50% PPSQ(polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane) and 5-500 mg/L of Copper Iodideparticles from 300-4000 nm in size.

An exemplary wipe as described above may be wetted with so as to containthis alcohol based solution. The wipe may be made of a non-woven cloththat is generally non-absorbent with respect to the solution. Thesolution may further include a pH stabilizer, a preservative, a rheologyadditive, fragrance, a chelating agent.

Alternatively, an exemplary disinfectant spray may contain this alcoholbased solution. The solution may further include a pH stabilizer, apreservative, a rheology additive, fragrance, a chelating agent.

An exemplary embodiment of the spray may have a solution with thefollowing approximate concentrations of the total solution by volume:

solvent(s): 25-99%,

surfactant(s): 0.1-0.5%,

pH stabilizer: 0.1-0.3%,

preservative: 0.5-5%,

copper iodide 0.005-5%,

rheology additive: 0.5-5%,

fragrance: 0.1-2%,

chelating agent: 0.02-0.3%,

polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane: 1-50%.

Alternatively, a liquid gel material for contact with surfaces includingskin of humans or other living animals may contain this alcohol basedsolution. The material may further include a pH stabilizer, apreservative, a carbomer polymer, a base, a rheology additive,fragrance, a chelating agent, humectants, orpolyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.

Example 3 Preparation of a Water Based Gelatin

Combine 0.5-74.5% deionized water, 25-99% isopropyl alcohol, 0.5-5% of arheology additive, such as BYK-D420 (supplied by BYK ChemicalsWallingford, CT, USA) and 5-500 mg/L of Copper Iodide particles from300-4000 nm in size and enough surfactant to allow the surfactant'sconcentration is close to or greater than the critical micelleconcentration of the surfactant, which in the case of the water andisopropyl alcohol mixture is around 0.3 g/L.

An exemplary wipe as described above may be wetted with so as to containthis water based gelatin. The wipe may be made of a non-woven cloth thatis generally non-absorbent with respect to the solution or gelatin. Thegelatin may further include a pH stabilizer, a preservative, a rheologyadditive, fragrance, a chelating agent, orpolyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.

Alternatively, a liquid gel material for application on surfacesincluding skin, may contain this water based gelatin. The material mayfurther include a pH stabilizer, a preservative, a carbomer polymer, abase, a rheology additive, fragrance, a chelating agent, humectants, orpolyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.

Example 4 Preparation of an Alcohol Based Gelatin

Combine 45-94.5% of an alcohol such as MMB(3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol), 5-50% PPSQ(polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane) and 0.5-5% of a rheology additive, suchas BYK-410 (supplied by BYK Chemicals Wallingford, Conn., USA), and5-500 mg/L of Copper Iodide particles from 300-4000 nm in size.

An exemplary wipe as described above may be wetted so as to contain thisalcohol based gelatin. The wipe may be made of a non-woven cloth that isgenerally non-absorbent with respect to the solution or gelatin. Thegelatin may further include a pH stabilizer, a preservative, a rheologyadditive, fragrance, a chelating agent, orpolyphenylpropylsilsequioxane.

Example 5 Method of Treating a Carpet Pad with Copper Iodide

Another exemplary embodiment provides for application of copper iodideinto the carpet pad that goes under carpets. These carpet pads areusually comprised of bound pieces of recycled foam. The process ofbinding the foam can involve an adhesive or can be done using heat, orboth.

The process of putting the foam scraps together offers an opportunity tointroduce copper iodide without requiring large quantities that would bewasteful if copper iodide were introduced in the manufacturing of rawfoam. Because the mechanical properties of the raw foam scraps are notchanged in the production process, the characteristics of the carpet padalso do not change as long as the adhesion between pieces is notaffected by the introduction of copper iodide. Addition of a materialsuch as copper iodide to an adhesive or dusted into heat-weldingmanufacturing process generally has little or no production impactcompared to introducing a reactive component to more delicate processesassociated with initial foam production.

Likewise, the process of binding foam together creates paths andchannels for fluids to flow between fragments of foam, meaning a higherdosing of copper iodide to any fluids that may leak into the foam pad,as these fluids will be captured in the channels between pieces of foam.

As a water-activated odor eliminating compound, copper iodide infusedcarpet pads can aid a homeowner or other user by reacting with odorcausing liquids such as urine, beverages and water spills. Uponmoistening, the reducing action of copper iodide will precipitateredox-active compounds from the liquid, retaining them within the pad,essentially purifying the liquid to prevent contamination of thestructural material beneath the pad.

At the same time, the copper iodide in an exemplary pad will dissolveinto the liquid and travel with it, providing an oxidizing catalyst whenthe liquid and oxygen from the atmosphere react. This “seeding” of theliquid spill as it passes through the pad may mean that the user neverbecomes aware of the spill, which can dry harmlessly if it does notcause visible discoloration of the carpet.

Wicking of the liquid up from the wet carpet pad and into the carpetabove can cause copper iodide to migrate into the carpet as it dries andpulls liquid out of the carpet pad below. This migration of copperiodide from the carpet pad upward may eliminate odors and destroydiscoloring agents within the liquid that might otherwise requireextensive cleaning. If the user does drench and clean the spill withwater, this will enhance the migration of copper iodide into the carpetfibers as wicking and drying create deposits within the carpet fibers.In situations where the same area is urinated on repeatedly, this meansthe effect of the copper iodide migrating from the carpet pad willincrease proportionally with each incident.

In another example, a spot of buck (deer) urine was placed on differentcarpet squares. Every spot was created by 10 ml of buck urine and foreach liquid treatment the same sprayer was utilized to apply 10 spraysfor each sample of treatment. Half an hour later, the spot treated witha mixture of water, surfactant, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, andpolyphenylpropylsilsequioxane showed strong activity for removing thestain. After six hours, the stain was almost entirely eliminated. Aftertwelve hours, the stain was completely eliminated. The odor of thesample was diminished after the first hour, and non-existent after sixhours.

Example 6 Method of Retaining and Destroying Volatile Organic Compounds

In another alternative exemplary embodiment, an antiviral andantibacterial material is effective toremove/eliminate/lessen/neutralize organic residues on fibers. Theresidues which may be effectively treated include undesirable organicmolecules, pollutants, biological materials and volatile organiccompounds. The fibers upon which the material may be effective includefibers upon which such residues accumulate such as carpet andventilation filters.

Example 7 Experimental Test Against Feline Calcivirus ATCC VR-782

Copper ions (20 mg/L) in a water based solution were applied to asurface with the non-enveloped feline calcivirus ATCC VR-782. In 10minutes an 82.22% reduction relative to the control after the exposureof the antimicrobial substance to the virus according to Modified ASTME1053 that looks at the antiviral activity of an agent for 24 hours. Inour case we wanted to have an idea about the rate of killing and this iswhy we limited the test to 10 minutes.

Example 8 Experimental Test Against H1N1 Influenza A, StrainA-California, and Human Corona Virus 229E

A number of other tests were performed against H1N1 Influenza A, StrainA-California, and Human Corona Virus 229E. In the case of H1N1 InfluenzaA, towelettes embedded with water based solution of copper iodide at 20mg/L showed according to modified test AATCC 100 a 99.7% reduction vstime zero control.

In the case of Human Corona Virus 229E according to modified ASTM E1053the percent reduction was 99.99% in 10 minutes.

Of course it should be understood that Examples 1-8 are merely exemplaryembodiments, and the inventive principles described may be applied tonumerous other applications, uses, materials, situations, methods,compositions and articles of manufacture.

In some exemplary embodiments the concentration of marshite in solutionis larger than 7 mg/L and smaller than 1 g/L.

In exemplary embodiments solution mixtures including copper iodide canbe made into various forms including, but not limited to, foam, gel,cream, gelatin, spray, aerosol, bar, liquid, solid, gaseous, or otherforms.

Exemplary solutions may be placed on or applied to any surface on whichit is desired to be rid of virus, bacteria, mold or fungus. Thesesurfaces may include, but are not limited to, glass, plastic, carpet,stainless steel, aluminum, walls, wood, clothing, floors, cloth, tile,porcelain, granite, quartz, cement, laminate, brick, stone, terrazzo,clay, ceramic, slate, limestone, marble, concrete, and metal.

Exemplary solutions may be placed on or embedded in surfaces at the timeof manufacture of such surfaces in order to remove the virus, bacteria,mold or fungus.

Exemplary solutions may be applied in various ways, including, but notlimited to, spray, brush, rolled, immersed, painted, propelled, coated,wiped, applied by hand, rubbed onto a surface, and placed on top of asurface.

Exemplary solutions may be deployed on or applied to filters, which maybe in any form of air handling which may be found in homes, commercialfacilities, industrial facilities, transportation facilities, vehicles,government buildings.

Exemplary solutions may be deployed in the healthcare industry on suchsurfaces such as those found in hospitals, clinics, emergency carefacilities, doctor's offices, nursing homes, and veterinary services.

Exemplary solutions may be deployed in the transportation industry onsuch surfaces such as those found in taxis, busses, trams, boats,streetcars, subways, airplanes, airports, bus depots, dock, ferries, buscoaches, metro trains, train and subway platforms and trains includingticket and service counters and booths.

Exemplary solutions may be deployed in the education industry on suchsurfaces such as those found in public schools, private schools, highereducation establishments, colleges, community colleges, day care, childcare, and trade schools.

Exemplary solutions may be deployed in the food processing industry insuch surfaces such as those found in a slaughter house, a meat packingplant, a cannery, a fish processing facility and a food packaging plant.

Exemplary solutions may be deployed in the livestock industry in suchsurfaces such as those found while engaging said livestock, or on theskin of livestock or other animals.

Exemplary solutions may be deployed on or applied to air vents,conduits, filters contained in air conditioning or furnaces.

Exemplary solutions may be deployed on stains caused by dyes, wine, orother undesirable colors in fibers or fabric.

Exemplary solutions may be applied to human skin or the skin of otherliving animals for treating acne, fungal infections and other skindiseases.

Exemplary solutions can include other, non-essential ingredients suchas, but not limited to, fragrances, colorants, pH buffers, and the likefor aesthetic or other purposes.

Exemplary solutions may have a reservoir material operative to sequesterwater and such materials may include, but are not limited to: zeolite,synthetic polymers, natural polymers, activated carbon, pearlite,vermiculite, silica gel and clay.

When used herein, neutralization is a term construed to mean to destroy,to neutralize, to reduce, to break apart, to eliminate, to negate, tonullify, to remove, to reduce, to make harmless and other meanings tothose skilled in the art.

Of course these described embodiments are exemplary and alterationsthereto are possible by those having skill in the relevant technology.

Thus the example embodiments and arrangements achieve improvedcapabilities, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of priorarticles and methods, and attain the desirable results described herein.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way ofexamples and the inventions not limited to the features shown anddescribed.

Further, it should be understood that components, materials, featuresand/or relationships associated with one embodiment can be combined withcomponents, materials, features and/or relationships from otherembodiments. That is, various components, materials, features and/orrelationships from various embodiments can be combined in furtherembodiments. The inventive scope of the disclosure is not limited toonly the embodiments shown or described herein.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theexemplary embodiments, the manner in which they are made, utilized andcarried out, and the advantages and useful results attained, the new anduseful articles, arrangements, combinations, methodologies, structures,devices, elements, combinations, operations, processes and relationshipsare set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. An article of manufacture comprising: a generally liquidtight container, the container bounding an interior area, a manuallyactuatable dispenser, including a fluid inlet in the interior area, anda fluid outlet outside the interior area, a liquid gel material in theinterior area selectively dispensable through the dispenser, the liquidgel material including: a solvent, wherein the solvent concentration isin a range of about 25-99% of the material by volume, a surfactant,wherein the surfactant includes at least one of an anionic and anon-ionic surfactant, wherein the surfactant has a concentration in arange of about 0.1-0.5% of the material by volume, a pH stabilizer,wherein the pH stabilizer has a concentration in a range of about0.1-0.3% of the material by volume, a preservative, wherein thepreservative has a concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of thematerial by volume, polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane, wherein thepolyphenylpropylsilsequioxane has a concentration in a range of about1-50% of the material by volume, copper iodide, wherein the copperiodide has a concentration in a range of about 0.005%-5% of the materialby volume, wherein the material dispensed from the container isoperative to kill microbes on an external surface of a living mammalwithout causing harm to the mammal.
 2. An article of manufacturecomprising: a generally liquid tight container, the container boundingan interior area, a manually actuatable dispenser, including a fluidinlet in the interior area, and a fluid outlet outside the interiorarea, a liquid gel material in the interior area dispensable through thedispenser, the liquid gel material including: a solvent, wherein thesolvent concentration is in a range of about 25-99% of the material byvolume, a surfactant, wherein the surfactant includes at least one of ananionic and a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the surfactant has aconcentration in a range of about 0.1-0.5% of the material by volume, apH stabilizer, wherein the pH stabilizer has a concentration in a rangeof about 0.1-0.3% of the material by volume, a preservative, wherein thepreservative has a concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of thematerial by volume, a carbomer polymer, wherein the carbomer polymer hasa concentration in a range of about 0.1-5% of the material by volume,polyphenylpropysilsequioxane, a base, wherein the base has aconcentration in an amount sufficient to neutralize at least 50% of thecarboxyl groups present in the carbomer polymer in the material in orderto obtain a gel consistency, and copper iodide, wherein the copperiodide has a concentration in a range of about 0.005%-0.5% of thematerial by volume.
 3. An article of manufacture comprising: a generallyliquid tight container, the container bounding an interior area, amanually actuatable dispenser, including a fluid inlet in the interiorarea, and a fluid outlet outside the interior area, a liquid gelmaterial in the interior area dispensable through the dispenser, theliquid gel material including: a solvent, wherein the solventconcentration is in a range of about 25-99% of the material by volume, asurfactant, wherein the surfactant includes at least one of an anionicand a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the surfactant has a concentrationin a range of about 0.1-0.5% of the material by volume, a pH stabilizer,wherein the pH stabilizer has a concentration in a range of about0.1-0.3% of the material by volume, a preservative, wherein thepreservative has a concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of thematerial by volume, a carbomer polymer, wherein the carbomer polymer hasa concentration in a range of about 0.1-5% of the material by volume, arheology additive, wherein the rheology additive comprises a solutionincluding a modified urea in dimethyl sulfoxide or wherein the rheologyadditive comprises a solution including a modified urea inN-Methylpyrrolidone, a base, wherein the base has a concentration in anamount sufficient to neutralize at least 50% of the carboxyl groupspresent in the carbomer polymer in the material in order to obtain a gelconsistency, and copper iodide, wherein the copper iodide has aconcentration in a range of about 0.005%-0.5% of the material by volume.4. An article of manufacture comprising: a generally liquid tightcontainer, the container bounding an interior area, a manuallyactuatable dispenser, including a fluid inlet in the interior area, anda fluid outlet outside the interior area, a liquid gel material in theinterior area dispensable through the dispenser, the liquid gel materialincluding: a solvent, wherein the solvent concentration is in a range ofabout 25-99% of the material by volume, a surfactant, wherein thesurfactant includes at least one of an anionic and a non-ionicsurfactant, wherein the surfactant has a concentration in a range ofabout 0.1-0.5% of the material by volume, a pH stabilizer, wherein thepH stabilizer has a concentration in a range of about 0.1-0.3% of thematerial by volume, a preservative, wherein the preservative has aconcentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of the material by volume, acarbomer polymer, wherein the carbomer polymer has a concentration in arange of about 0.1-5% of the material by volume, a base, wherein thebase has a concentration in an amount sufficient to neutralize at least50% of the carboxyl groups present in the carbomer polymer in thematerial in order to obtain a gel consistency, and copper iodide,wherein the copper iodide has a concentration in a range of about0.005%-0.5% of the material by volume, and a particle size within arange from 300-4000 nm.
 5. An article of manufacture comprising: agenerally liquid tight container, the container bounding an interiorarea, a manually actuatable dispenser, including a fluid inlet in theinterior area, and a fluid outlet outside the interior area, a liquidgel material in the interior area dispensable through the dispenser, theliquid gel material including: a solvent, wherein the solventconcentration is in a range of about 25-99% of the material by volume, asurfactant, wherein the surfactant includes at least one of an anionicand a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the surfactant has a concentrationin a range of about 0.1-0.5% of the material by volume, a pH stabilizer,wherein the pH stabilizer has a concentration in a range of about0.1-0.3% of the material by volume, a preservative, wherein thepreservative has a concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of thematerial by volume, a carbomer polymer, wherein the carbomer polymer hasa concentration in a range of about 0.1-5% of the material by volume, abase, wherein the base has a concentration in an amount sufficient toneutralize at least 50% of the carboxyl groups present in the carbomerpolymer in the material in order to obtain a gel consistency, a rheologyadditive, wherein the rheology additive has a concentration in a rangeof about 0.5-5% of the material by volume, a fragrance, wherein thefragrance has a concentration in the range of about 0.1-2% of thematerial by volume, a chelating agent, wherein the chelating agent has aconcentration of about 0.02-0.3% of the material by volume, at least onehumectant, wherein the at least one humectant is selected from the groupconsisting of: propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and butylene glycol,glyceryl triacetate, neoagarobiose, sugar alcohols (sugar polyols) suchas glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, polymeric polyols such aspolydextrose, quillai, urea, Aloe vera gel, MP diol, Alpha hydroxy acidssuch as lactic acid, and lithium chloride,polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane, wherein the polyphenylpropylsilsequioxanehas a concentration in a range of about 1-50% of the material by volume,copper iodide, wherein the copper iodide has a concentration in a rangeof about 0.005%-0.5% of the material by volume, and a particle sizewithin a range from 300-4000 nm wherein material dispensed from thecontainer is operative to kill microbes on an external surface of aliving mammal without causing harm to the mammal.
 6. The article ofmanufacture of claim 2, and further comprising, a rheology additive. 7.The article of manufacture of claim 6, wherein the rheology additive hasa concentration in a range of about 0.5-5% of the solution by volume. 8.The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein the solution includes atleast one anionic surfactant selected from a group comprising: phosphateesters, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, alpha olefin sulfonate, octanesulfonate, ethylhexyl sulfate, lauryl sulfate, laureth sulfate, orgluconate, and wherein the at least one anionic surfactant is combinedwith a cationic moiety including at least one of sodium, potassium,magnesium, ammonium and alkyl ammonium.
 9. The article of manufacture ofclaim 2, wherein the solution includes at least one non-ionic surfactantselected from a group comprising: alkyl polysaccharides, sorbitanesters, polyethyleneoxy (PEO) sorbitan esters, PEO fatty acid esters,PEO fatty acids, PEO fatty alcohols, PEO synthetic alcohols, blockcopolymers of PEO and polypropyleneoxy (PPO) groups (PEO/PPO), alcoholethoxylates, nonylphenolethoxylates, alkyl glucosides, and amideethoxylates.
 10. The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein thesolvent comprises at least one of water, isopropyl alcohol, and3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol.
 11. The article of manufacture of claim 2,wherein the solution further comprises a fragrance.
 12. The article ofmanufacture of claim 11, wherein the fragrance has a concentration in arange of about 0.1-2% of the solution by volume.
 13. The article ofmanufacture of claim 2, wherein the solution further comprises achelating agent.
 14. The article of manufacture of claim 13, wherein thechelating agent has a concentration in a range of about 0.02-0.3% of thesolution by volume.
 15. The article of manufacture of claim 2, whereinthe polyphenylpropylsilsequioxane has a concentration in a range ofabout 1-50% of the solution by volume.
 16. The article of manufacture ofclaim 2, wherein the surfactant concentration is close to or greaterthan a critical micelle concentration of the surfactant.
 17. The articleof manufacture of claim 2, wherein the base is selected from a groupcomprising: sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, triethanolamine,monoethanolamine, dimethyl stearylamine tria amino, amino methupropanol, neutrol TE, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, andEthomeen C-25.
 18. The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein thematerial further includes at least one humectant, wherein the at leastone humectant is selected from a group comprising: propylene glycol,hexylene glycol, and butylene glycol, glyceryl triacetate,neoagarobiose, sugar alcohols (sugar polyols) such as glycerol,sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, polymeric polyols such as polydextrose,quillai, urea, Aloe vera gel, MP diol, Alpha hydroxy acids such aslactic acid, and lithium chloride.
 19. The article of manufacture ofclaim 2, wherein the dispenser includes a manually actuatable pump.